Multimedia Eldercare Support for Family Caregivers

描述（由研究者提供）：本项目将开发一个基于工作场所的互动多媒体程序，重点关注老年人的家庭照顾者所面临的问题。自动评估将推荐与用户个人问题最相关的程序元素的“导游”，或允许用户自己浏览程序。借鉴Rolland和多卡的模式，该计划将提供建议，以尽量减少照顾者的压力，它将帮助用户了解照顾接收者的观点。视频短片和推荐将示范和促进技术，以最大限度地提高有效的沟通和应对技能。 沟通的主题将包括有用的家庭会议，解决冲突和谈判的技能，以及与社会服务机构，长期护理设施和医疗保健系统的宣传。该计划还将提供由视频推荐支持的基于文本的文章，并推荐当地/国家资源。 此外，用户将收到一份量身定制的摘要，总结了重要的程序元素和其他感兴趣的材料。该计划将在一项随机对照试验中进行评估，其中有504名受雇的护理人员。获奖的第一阶段原型将以光盘和因特网/内联网的形式销售。第二阶段计划也将以这些格式制作。

DESCRIPTION (provided by investigator): This project will develop a worksite-based interactive multimedia program focusing on issues confronting employed family caregivers of older adults. An automated assessment will recommend a "guided tour" of program elements most relevant to the user's personal issues or allow users to browse through the program on their own. Drawing on the models of Rolland and Doka, the program will offer advice to minimize caregiver stress, and it will help users understand care receiver viewpoints. Video vignettes and testimonials will model and promote techniques to maximize effective communication and coping skills. Communication topics will include skills useful for family meetings, conflict resolution, and negotiation, as well as for advocacy with social service agencies, long-term care facilities and the health care system. The program will also offer text-based articles supported by video testimonials, and referrals to local/national resources. Additionally, users will receive a tailored printout summarizing important program elements and other materials of interest. The program will be evaluated in a randomized control trial with 504 employed caregivers. The award-winning Phase I prototype will be marketed as a CD-ROM and in Internet/Intranet format. The Phase II program also will be produced in these formats.